JUNE 29 - Feasts of Saints Peter and Paul
This official Colombian public holiday is a liturgical feast that honors the martyrdom of the Apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Its origins stem from ancient Christianity, with the date being significant as it is the anniversary of either their death or the translation of their relics. Both St. Peter and St. Paul were a part of the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ.
What more is to be said about Saint Peter and Saint Paul? They were two men who lived their lives in accord with the prompting of the Holy Spirit. When we read of the sufferings they endured while living in accord with the prompting of the Holy Spirit, it gives one pause to take them as models for our own life.
Peter with his brother Andrew were the first to leave everything and follow Jesus. Originally Peter was called Simon but Jesus changed his name to Peter, meaning Rock. He was to be the rock on which Jesus would build his church (Matthew 16:18-19). In the beginning, Peter, along with the other apostles, was told not to preach to the Samaritans or the Gentiles but to go to the lost members of the house of Israel (Matthew 10:5-7).
Paul on the other hand, was called Saul by Jesus and told to stop persecuting Him (Acts 9:4-5). Saul who was an educated pharisee was at first feared by the followers of Jesus. By chapter 13 in the Acts of the Apostles, Saul is being called Paul. The name Paul was more acceptable when he began teaching the Gentiles about Jesus, the unknown God who rose from the dead (Acts 17:18, 23).
In summary, Peter got his name from Jesus. However, it seems Paul got his name from the community of believers. Both men allowed themselves to be led by the Holy Spirit to create a lasting foundation upon which God’s Kingdom is to be built. Jesus is the cornerstone.
-Sister Elaine Cole, CSJ
Header Image: Unsplash/Ivan Zhuldybin
